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When homeowners consider purchasing important and necessary home appliances, some may not think to add a basement dehumidifier to that list. The uncomfortable, humid, and sticky feeling associated with confined spaces like basements, attics, storage areas, and rooms without air conditioning is a direct result of a high level of moisture in the air. Everyone reacts to high humidity differently, but most agree that it is uncomfortable and frustrating to live in. Enter dehumidifiers. Dehumidifiers are appliances that regulate the humidity level in a space. Basements tend to be very dank, damp, and sometimes odor filled due to the high level of moisture in them. This can not only be uncomfortable but ultimately dangerous to the house and those living in it. When looked at a little more closely, homeowners may find that the benefits, varieties, and sizes of dehumidifiers available for basements make them appliances worth investing in.

A basement dehumidifier is a great purchase for those wanting to create a more comfortable space to spend time in. Increased moisture in the air results in spaces feeling a lot warmer than they are, and it becomes more difficult for the human body to regulate temperature. Our body’s natural cooling system is to release sweat, however in areas of high humidity the air around us is already moist, rendering sweat less-effective in bringing down our body temperature. In addition, dehumidifiers protect from mold, mildew, and a variety of allergens. Since increased moisture creates the perfect environment for allergens to thrive in, a basement dehumidifier is a great choice for those with allergies. Moist areas caused by humid air harbor bacteria, mold and mildew spores, dust mites, and other microscopic organisms that can pose a problem to the health of those living in the home. Aside from human health, the health of the home itself can be greatly improved by the use of a basement dehumidifier. Wood, which is the primary component of almost every home, can warp and become less sturdy in humid areas. Peeling paint, creaking floors, and mold are all examples of humidity levels being out of control in a home. Dehumidifiers help to regulate the humidity to a healthy, comfortable level for humans and homes alike.

Dehumidifiers work by utilizing a fan to pull air from the space into the machine. The air is then pulled over cooling coils, which remove the excess moisture from the air by lowering the air’s temperature. The newly dehumidified air is then heated to a set temperature and another fan redistributes the air back into the space. This process, while seemingly complicated, is a simple solution to a very frustrating problem. Like any appliance, homeowners must choose the correct unit for their space. It’s important to consider purchasing a basement dehumidifier that is made specifically for that purpose.

While there are various sizes and models on the market, a basement dehumidifier may be more heavy duty and can handle a larger, more humid space than one made for an indoor room. Take for example, the HI-E Dry 100. With the ability to remove two to three times more water per kilowatt hour of electricity than conventional dehumidifiers, the HI-E Dry 100 was created to be extremely efficient and economical, making it the perfect choice for damp basements. The industry standard for humidifiers is to remove around 3 pints of water per kilowatt hour (at 80° F and 60%RH,) but the HI-E Dry 100 removes 6.8 pints, meaning even the most humid of basements can become drier and more comfortable. In addition to this increased efficiency, the refrigeration system is smaller, allowing for the HI-E Dry 100 to cost less than commercial dehumidifiers and use less electricity. Lower power usage ultimately saves money for the homeowner, which is an added benefit. Portable and compact enough to not take up too much space, the HI-E Dry 100 is ideal for basements. For larger basements, HI-E offers another, larger model, the Dry 195. Removing 183 pints of water per day, the HI-E Dry 195 is as cost and energy efficient as the HI-E Dry 100. Both units are controlled by a dehumidistat, which tells the units when to dehumidify at certain points and temperatures. Homeowners are sure to benefit from either of these high performance, efficient machines.

Having a dry basement is so important for the home. Not only are many valuable family items such as photos, clothes, and holiday decorations often stored there, but basements are the structural foundation of a home. Flooding and increased moisture can affect the stability of the home and cause long-term issues if not taken care of. A basement dehumidifier is worth investing in before those issues arise.

Commercial dehumidifiers come in a variety of models, each of them designed for a handful of applications and settings. Drying systems are ideal for dealing with water losses, such as flooded basements or burst pipes, and they make sense in areas where high humidity is a constant problem. A drier building is a healthier building, as excess moisture can attract pests and give rise to fungal contamination like mold. And both pests and mold can inflame allergies and produce chronic respiratory symptoms. These symptoms are most pronounced in children and the elderly, so it is up to families to protect the home against water infiltration. Dryer systems are the first line of defense in this regard.

What commercial dehumidifiers are available for water losses and moisture control?

There are several dryer system technologies to choose from, and they include the following:

Refrigeration dryers – refrigeration systems, also known as LGR (or large grain refrigeration) dryers, are the most common choice for standard water loss environments. They work by passing a current of air over cooled coils. This causes the vapor to condense on the coils, where it is collected for removal. Refrigeration systems are most efficient at temperatures ranging from 70 degrees to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and at this range, LGR systems are the best choice on the market. When the temperature drops below 70 degrees, though, there isn’t enough heat load to prevent the coils from icing, which will slow down the drying process. Air conditioning systems are similar to LGR systems in that they condense vapor onto cooled coils, but air conditioners do not reheat air by passing the current over a condenser, instead cooling the room as well as drying it.

Desiccation dryers – desiccation dryers are largely unaffected by temperature, as they use an absorbent material instead of refrigeration to remove vapor from the air. The most common material of choice is silica gel, and the gel is attached to a disc that rotates once or twice a minute to maximize the usable surface area of the gel. The vapor pressure inside the silica is much lower than the ambient pressure, so when it passes through the gel, it immediately condenses and is absorbed. A “recharging” air current is passed through the saturated portion of the disc to wick away the moisture, which is then vented outside of the building. Desiccation dryers can operate at nearly any temperature, though they aren’t quite as efficient as LGR systems at some temperatures. They are lighter, though, which makes them portable.

Heat dryers – Heat injection systems can be used individually or in conjunction with other commercial dehumidifiers. A heat injector is ideal for water losses that include difficult to reach areas of trapped water. Normally, restoration professionals would have to tear up a room to access this water or heat up the entire space, turning the room into an oven. A heat injector, instead, works like a stove burner, sending heat directly to the area where the water is trapped. This makes it an effective option for drying baseplates and areas behind drywall.

Modern drying technology is highly robust and can accelerate restoration efforts by several days. It’s a must-have for restoration professionals and building owners that want to keep their occupants safe and comfortable.

Dehumidifiers have long been relied on to keep moisture levels constant in a residential, commercial or industrial space, and they perform this role well. But why is it important to maintain moisture levels, and which dehumidifier is right for a given area? The vast number of applications that dehumidifiers offer is impressive, and extends beyond concerns regarding comfort, though they are ideal at producing a comfortable space. They are also relied on to help repair water damage and protect valuable machinery.

The Many Jobs of a Dehumidifier

In general, dehumidifiers come in two forms – residential and commercial/industrial. Residential dehumidifiers are smaller and less expensive, while commercial dehumidifiers are larger and more durable. But at their core, both residential and commercial dehumidifiers operate using the same kind of technology. The real difference is between condensation and desiccant dehumidifiers.

Condensation dehumidifiers – Condensation dehumidifiers have been around longer and are still represented to a greater degree. They operate by pulling in warmer, humid air and running the air over a set of cooling coils. When the air comes in contact with these coils, its temperature drops, as well as its ability to hold onto moisture (warmer air is capable of higher levels of humidity). Water vapor condenses onto the coils as a result and is collected for removal. The dry air is pumped back into the room, and the process starts again. Condensation dehumidifiers are more efficient at higher temperatures and they maintain humidity levels well.

Desiccant dehumidifiers – Desiccant dehumidifiers do not operate using a temperature gradient. Instead, they are designed with a rotary disk that is impregnated with highly absorptive materials like silica gel. Silica gel, like any other desiccant, is filled with millions of microscopic cavities that attract moisture using a vapor pressure gradient. In other words, water vapor is effectively “pushed” into the desiccant. Desiccant dehumidifiers will not freeze and are more economical when operating at lower dew points.

That’s the technology, but what can that technology do? There are several applications of a dehumidifier, and they include:

Improving comfort – Perhaps the most popular reason for installing dehumidifiers is to make a space feel more comfortable. Higher levels of relative humidity make air feel heavier, which can make breathing and temperature regulating more difficult. Dehumidifiers are, of course, ideal for controlling relative humidity, which dries the air and makes a room, or even an entire house or commercial property, feel more comfortable.

Protecting sensitive equipment – In industrial settings, like manufacturing or packaging facilities, there is a great deal of equipment that must be protected from all sorts of environmental stressors. Chief among these stressors is moisture, as industrial equipment is designed with sensitive electronics. When moisture infiltrates industrial equipment, it can clog the equipment up and make it stick, a problem known as moisture regaining. Moisture can also condense on the electronics themselves, increasing the chances of a short occurring. Finally, moisture speeds up corrosion processes and can degrade materials that are sensitive to water. Industrial dehumidifiers, which are capable of removing hundreds of pints of water from the air every day, are designed to maintain humidity levels in a large facility. The presence of a dehumidifier will ensure extended performance of equipment and less downtime.

Repairing water damage – Commercially, dehumidifiers play a role in water damage restoration processes. Restoration firms are often tasked with drying out a waterlogged home or business that has been wracked by floods, sewage backflows or burst plumbing. In these settings, time is of the essence, as mold can begin growing in water damaged properties within 48 hours, and once it takes root, it can be extremely difficult to remove. Commercial dehumidifiers, in tandem with air movers and heat injectors, are relied on to quickly pick up a lot of ambient water vapor and vent it to the outside. Several are typically needed for badly damaged buildings, but they can typically get the job done within a few days.

Dehumidifiers are a key element of any building maintenance plan, and can be scaled up or down for a property of any size or purpose. Modern dehumidifiers run quietly, are efficient and rarely require maintenance, making them a dependable workhorse for any application.

Desiccant dehumidifiers are one of two primary drying technologies adapted for residential and commercial use. When setting up a drying system in a building, the primary decision boils down to whether this technology will work best, or whether refrigeration technology will work best. Both have their strengths and challenges, and there are many situations where desiccant systems are the optimal choice. When selecting a technology, the ambient humidity and temperature have to be considered, as well as the efficiency of the system. This will allow homeowners or business owners to make the proper choice for their building.

What are the advantages and challenges associated with desiccant dehumidifiers?

This technology works using simple concepts regarding vapor pressure. The dryer is built with a material that is designed to absorb water out of the air. In most cases, this material is a silica gel, and it’s loaded with spaces intended to capture the vapor as it passes through the material. Because the vapor pressure inside the material is lower than the pressure in the surrounding air, the vapor readily condenses and is picked up by the material.

A disc spins inside the dryer, and most of this disc is coated with the silica gel. The disc rotates slowly, at 1-2 rotations per minute. A steady current of air is pushed through the dryer and comes in contact with a small part of the disc. This strips the waterlogged material of moisture, which is then vented outside of the building. This ensures the system continues to work even during continuous use.

This approach offers some significant benefits. They include:

Lower weight. Because desiccant dehumidifiers rely on more compact and lighter technology, they can be installed more easily and are often portable. Portability allows owners to quickly place the dryer in an optimal position with little effort.

Better economy at lower temperatures and humidity levels. This technology provides mostly equivalent performance no matter the temperature, and is much better at removing moisture at temperatures below 70 degrees Fahrenheit, when compared to refrigeration dryers. In fact, it is possible to reduce humidity levels below 35 percent using the system. And because there are no coils built into the dryer, there is little chance of it icing over internally, which is a problem for refrigeration dryers.

Quieter operation. Desiccant dehumidifiers are built without compressor parts, which are known for the noise they make. These systems, then, are perfect when silent operation is a must.

While these dryers have some excellent uses, they cannot outperform refrigeration dryers when the temperature is above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, or when humidity is particularly high. At above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, a refrigeration dryer will work faster and remain more energy efficient while doing so.

The scalability of the technology also ensures it can be used in any industry and in any building, including buildings up to 50,000 square feet. That’s a lot of drying, but even if a home or business owner wants to scale down from there, desiccant dehumidifiers can precisely control moisture levels in a building.

A major priority in the aftermath of a flood or burst pipe disaster is drying the wood floors in the home. Wood is extremely susceptible to water damage, even when it is finished with a seal that is supposed to keep the water out. Over time, this finish will lose its potency, and water will eventually find its way through. But because so many homeowners believe their hardwood floors are capable of taking extended exposure to water, they end up in a tricky situation. Wait too long, and the floors will be beyond saving. That will mean a nightmarish scenario of ripping out all the boards and fasteners, and spending thousands on replacing them. Clearly, the better option is to dry out the floors before the water is allowed to cause extensive damage.

The Dos and Don’ts of Drying Wood Floors

It’s best to assume that whenever a home is wracked by a flood or other water-based disaster, any hardwood floors will need special attention. Within hours of exposure, standing water will penetrate the boards, causing them to swell and warp. Usually, this is more pronounced on the bottom edges of the boards, as they are not protected by the sealant. When this occurs, the resulting effect is known as “cupping,” and it looks like the edges of the boards swelling up over the edges of other boards. If cupping is not stopped in time, the boards will separate from their fasteners, and this can only be solved by replacing the flooring.

Some respond to cupping by sanding the boards down, but this is only a quick fix that may result in total failure of the hardwood over time. If sanded down before water is removed, the floor will experience the opposite of cupping, a process known as crowning. Crowning will also cause the boards to rip from their fasteners, and it may happen without a homeowner realizing what’s going on.

The only real fix, then, is to remove the excess water from the wood, and this is best accomplished with low grain refrigerant (LGR) dehumidifiers. LGR dehumidifiers are more efficient than standard dehumidifiers, which use conventional refrigerants to pull moisture from the air. LGR dehumidifiers are capable of reducing moisture to beyond 55 grains per pound, even achieving conditions of 40 grains per pound or less. This is possible because LGR dehumidifiers are built with efficiency boosting components that precool the air before it passes through the system proper. The precooling components may consist of looped heat pipes, which are built around the colder coils, promoting the transfer of heat into the refrigerant. They may also consist of air to air exchangers, which circulate heated air past cooled air to exchange heat.

Drying wooden floors takes a concentrated effort, and to quickly save the hardwood, make sure to do the following:

Remove all standing water and soaked materials immediately. As long as water is standing on the wood, it will make the situation worse. Before attempting drying efforts, sop up any standing water and remove any rugs or furniture that are also soaked. Preferably into the sun, where they can dry quickly on their own.

Clean the floors a couple times with a cleaner that doesn’t produce suds. Oils, dirt and other residue will hold moisture inside the wood and keep it from escaping. A couple of cleanings will take care of this, ensuring drying efforts can proceed without issue.

Position an LGR dehumidifier in the middle of the floor. An LGR dehumidifier switched to the highest extraction setting will make quick work of moisture locked inside the flooring. For best results, the dehumidifier should be allowed to operate for at least 24 hours, though it may be necessary to run the system longer for particularly bad conditions.

Support the dehumidifier with air movers. Air mover fans can expedite the drying process, especially if conditions are dry outside and windows can be opened. Air movers should be positioned so that there is air circulation over the entire surface of the floor.

Once the floors are dry, they should be checked for any mold or mildew growth. If this is present, then expert assistance may be required. But as long as a homeowner responds quickly with an LGR dehumidifier, then the worst of the damage can be avoided.

Heat drying. Using heat to dry an entire building or to spot dry a particularly tough area is becoming more and more popular. When done properly, heat drying can be highly effective and extremely quick. Having the right equipment to accomplish this though is what most contractors are lacking.

Heat dryingis a mechanism of applying heat to a wet surface and removing the resulting evaporated moisture so that the surface dries. The heat provided the needed energy for evaporation, while the added air movement creates vapor pressure differences for the moisture laden air to move to an area of low pressure. As more vapor escapes from the surface it too will fill the temporary vacuum created by the pushed air. This continuous process results in drying of the surface.

This type of air exchange used in heat drying is known to remove large quantities of moisture quickly and efficiently- with a 2000 cubic feet per minute (cfm) heat drying system completely exchanging the air in a 2500 square foot building with 9 foot ceilings once every 11.25 minutes.

Air exchange is vital in keeping a fast evaporation rate in heat drying procedures.

Some larger heat drying systems are installed outside where it takes the moisture laden air and in turn pushes in dry air to replace it. As air is sucked out and dry air pushed in, the rate of heat drying is controlled. With the heat drying equipment, air is heated as it is pushed into the building and circulated.

Heat drying solutions are effective because both exposed and trapped moisture is easily evaporated, and once in a vapor state the water can be exhausted out of the building through a window or pulled out through a dehumidifier. Usually, the heat must be controlled to ensure it does not damage the building being dried.

Heat drying also has additional benefits such as eliminating the conditions that result in mold growth. The heat destroys mold spores and removes moisture from the building. Drying whether by heat or by dehumidifiers will eliminate the need to use antimicrobial solutions in a fresh water situation.

Heat drying is a remarkable process that combines available technology and ideas to provide highly effective drying using controlled heat and air movements. However, technicians will need to be highly trained and have a good understanding of what makes heat drying work in order to set up a job properly. Once this is accomplished though, the desired results can be obtained within 48 hours with minimal structural damage.

Many people have heard the term HEPA filtration, usually in reference to its use in hospitals, vehicles, and aircrafts. However, some may be unsure as to what exactly this type of filter is, what benefits it offers, and how it is used in residential and commercial capacities. High-efficiency particulate arrestance (HEPA) can also be known as high-efficiency particulate arresting or high-efficiency particulate air. Regardless of which term is used, they all refer to the same type of filter—one that meets the specific standards set by the United States Department of Energy, also known as the DOE. To meet these standards, the air filter must be capable of filtering 99.97% of particles that are sized larger than .3 microns from the air that passes through it.

Originally invented for laboratories to help prevent harmful, radioactive particles from transferring to outside of the laboratory, HEPA filtration has become a more common filter in homes and air scrubber systems. The benefits of this type of filter include decreased allergens, increased cardiovascular health for those who reside in the home, and decreased airborne particles and bacteria such as mold and mildew spores. These benefits are accomplished by the complex, dense fiberglass fibers that make up the filter. These fibers are so tightly woven that when air is pushed through them, they remove 99.97% of unwanted and hazardous particles from the air. Most of us hardly take time to think of the air we breathe and how it can affect our health, but when our home is affected by something dangerous, like mold, we begin to see that the air around us can greatly affect our wellness.

Professional remediation companies that restore homes after flooding or water damage often use this type of filter system because they understand the importance of guaranteeing clean air. Air scrubbers do exactly what their name suggests—they take in the air from a room and clean the air using the highly effective and regulated HEPA filtration system. There are a variety of these systems that are useful for commercial remediation companies as well as homeowners who need to scrub the air due to mold, mildew, flooding, or water damage.

The Phoenix Guardian System was designed exclusively for the restoration industry. This HEPA filtration system can perform multiple air quality functions at the same time and traps virtually all removable particles from the air. In less than 60 seconds, the Phoenix Guardian System can clean the air of a 12 x 14 foot room. In order for air scrubbers like the Phoenix Guardian to be considered effective by the industry, they must be capable of performing four air changes per hour. This said, the Phoenix Guardian can successfully handle up to 21,000 cubic feet. With multiple intake and discharge options, a built-in manometer, and optional carbon-potassium permanganate filter, the Phoenix Guardian is one of the best systems available.

A mini version of the original Phoenix Guardian System, this HEPA filtration system offers fully variable air flow in a compact size. When there are remediation projects with limited space, requiring limited air flow, the Phoenix Mini-Guardian is the system to use. With the ability to clean a 14 x 14 room air change in less than four minutes, this system removes almost all traces of hazardous particles from the air using a three-filter design. The Phoenix Mini Guardian is on wheels, making it extremely portable and lightweight.

The Phoenix Guardian R500 Pro System is an air filtration device that is considered the most portable and compact HEPA filtration system available. In addition to being energy-efficient and durable, the Phoenix Guaradian R500 Pro System is also lightweight and stackable. This combination of strength, performance, and portability makes it ideal for any remediation project where power costs and space may be a concern. Weighing only 35 pounds, the Phoenix Guardian R500 is 14 inches tall and 22 x 24 inches wide and can operate both vertically and horizontally. This unique design allows for maximum capture zone so more particles can be removed from the air.

When it comes to finding the right HEPA Filtration unit, consider the size of the room, the power capacity of the home, and the space in which the system must fit. Knowing the air is safe to breathe provides unprecedented peace of mind for home and business owners.

Home dehumidifiers are a simple piece of technology that can make a big impact on a family’s comfort and health. In many ways, they operate like air conditioners, but instead of cooling the house, they remove excess water vapor from the air. Controlling this value is essential, as house interiors are best suited for low levels of water vapor. This is primarily due to the presence of organic materials, like paper, drywall and cloth, throughout the house. By keeping moisture levels low, these delicate materials can be preserved, along with the family’s well-being.

Dry It Out

Clearly, the point of home dehumidifiers is to reduce moisture in the house, but how does the technology accomplish this, and why exactly is it a worthy goal? Every systems is made up of several parts, including:

Compressor – The compressor is responsible for exerting pressure on a refrigerant gas which, with the help of an expansion valve, increases or decreases the temperature of the refrigerant throughout the system.

Cooling Coils – The cold refrigerant, which is under low pressure, is run through a series of coils to facilitate heat exchange between the room’s ambient air and the refrigerant gas. This is similar to how air conditioners cool air inside the house, but unlike air conditioners, home dehumidifiers vent the warm air back into the room to preserve the temperature. When room-temperature air is passed over the cooling coils, it cools as well, and loses its ability to hold onto as much vapor. The result is condensation over the coils.

Fans – The dehumidifier comes with fans to pull wet, ambient air into the system and to push warm, dry air back into the room.

Reservoir – As water vapor condenses over the coils, it drips off and is collected in a reservoir inside the dehumidifier unit. The reservoir can be emptied occasionally to completely rid the building of collected water.

These components work together to keep the house dry, and the mechanisms are similar to those used in commercial dehumidifiers, though on a smaller scale. Some commercial dehumidifiers use desiccant materials instead of cooling coils, and these work by absorbing moisture from the air directly.

Drier Is Better

There are plenty of reasons why homeowners may seek drier conditions in their home. It may be as simple as comfort, or as serious as improved health or protection. Specifically, homeowners may consider the following:

More comfortable living conditions. Between temperature and humidity, humidity has the greater impact on comfort. This is why, even when the temperature is at reasonable levels, higher levels of humidity can make it seem like it’s harder to breathe or harder to cool down. The presence of moisture in the air keeps sweat from evaporating as quickly from the skin, which makes the air feel even warmer than it really is. Taking moisture out of the air, then, can make an immediate impact on comfort, preventing that sticky feeling that often comes with high levels of humidity.

Better health. Those with respiratory conditions can be badly affected by high amounts of humidity. This is especially true for people with asthma, as the presence of water vapor can exacerbate breathing difficulties. But for others, low levels of humidity can be a problem. It’s different for everyone. It’s important, then, to have a system on hand that can control the exact level of humidity in a space, ensuring that occupants don’t suffer any respiratory attacks.

Protecting sensitive materials. Organic materials, like drywall and textiles, are extremely susceptible to high levels of humidity, and the proof of such is in any bathroom. Even a casual glance in any bathroom may show some growth of mildew and mold, and both can worsen breathing problems and contaminate materials beyond rescue. If humidity is not controlled, any mold growth can spread throughout the building and even cause mold growth on clothing. Dehumidifiers can make a home inhospitable to mold and mildew growth, keeping it from taking root in the first place.

Dehumidifiers are an easy solution to a frustrating problem. With a quick setup and a few programmed settings, families can keep their homes comfortable and lessen the chances of mold and mildew growth.

Indoor dehumidifiers are often used for rooms with indoor pools and spas or in basements. These types of rooms have specific needs and it is imporrtant to choose the right type and size of equipment to meet your specific needs. A good dehumidifier supplier can help you decide on the right equipment for your needs.

Mobile or portable air conditioning units can give both home and business owners the comfort of a powerful cooling system, without the cost associated with HVAC systems. Movable cooling systems offer a level of convenience that other options cannot, and can be used in both residential and commercial settings. This makes movable cooling systems some of the most versatile available, allowing owners to take more control over their space without having to dedicate a great deal of effort in the process.

Stay Cool Everywhere

Clearly, the primary benefit of a movable cooling system is that it can be moved. That’s obvious, but cannot be overstated. Most HVAC units are not particularly efficient, as they are either not powerful enough to cool what needs to be cooled, or they are too powerful and waste energy every time they are switched on. In response to this common problem, more and more property owners have switched to zoned cooling, which provides climate control to a single room. Using zoned cooling, property owners can control temperatures only where they need to be controlled, reducing power consumption and keeping things comfortable.

But where do movable cooling systems enter into this picture? In short, they are the most attractive zoned cooling technology on the market, for several reasons. For example:

Only portable cooling systems can be moved from room to room. Zone cooling that relies on window units does save power, but it is less viable if the entire property is used at once. For residential properties with large families or commercial properties that are fully staffed – window units are not the ideal fix. Portable cooling systems can be zoned throughout a home or business, allowing property owners additional flexibility in keeping their buildings comfortable.

Portable cooling systems do not interfere with HOA sticklers. Homeowners’ Associations have a reputation of being difficult to deal with, and this is certainly true for any homeowner that has tried to install a window unit for their home. HOAs typically demand uniformity between properties, and a window unit is something that will stick out, as it is visible from the road. Portable cooling systems, though, are contained inside the property, with only a small port for venting warm air attached to the window frame. Most port designs remain flush with the window, and this will keep the HOA at bay.

Portable systems are perfect for rooms that get heavy use. Every homeowner has a room or three that don’t get much use. That guest bedroom that’s rarely full, that study where there isn’t much studying going on, that bathroom that no one likes – it costs money to keep these rooms climate controlled by a traditional system. With portable air conditioners, though, only the rooms that need to be cooled will be cooled, reducing strain on the building’s HVAC unit and greatly reducing energy expenditure.

Portable air conditioners can also help with humidity. As a side-effect of air conditioning, most systems will also remove humidity from the air. However, there are many portable air conditioners that have a dedicated dehumidifying function built in, and this can make rooms even more comfortable. This is especially helpful to many people with asthma, as greater levels of humidity can make it more difficult to breathe and trigger symptoms.

Portable air conditioners are ideal for commercial properties too. The idea of a portable air conditioner is one of small size, which would seem to rule it out as a solution for commercial needs. This is far from the truth, though, as portable cooling systems can also keep an entire warehouse comfortable for workers. Portable coolers are ideal for server rooms, where there is usually a lot of heat in a small space, and rooms with sensitive electrical equipment, where dehumidifying can keep the equipment in good operating order.

Zoned cooling is an emerging solution for many property owners, and portable air conditioners are the best example of what the technology can do. Fortunately, it’s accessible to nearly everyone, as it is cost-effective, easy to install and easy to manage.

Onion and seed drying and storage with desiccant dehumidifiers is very effective. When storing any agricultural product you will need constant temperatures and humidities. A desiccant dehumidifier can provide this for you. A refrigerant dehumidifier would not be able to work effectively below 70º. So a desiccant dehumidifier which would not freeze since it removes the moisture in the form of a gas would be the best most efficient choice.

Pool Spa Basement Dehumidifiers Testimonial:

"Hi, I just wanted to touch base and say what a pleasure it was buying from you. These guys worked with me and got me exactly what I wanted and went above and beyond while doing so. Shipped quicker than I would have thought and I got it within a couple days and only a couple. Great job guys, have a great day!"

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When you have a water damage in your home there are so many questions most people have. So many things can get wet in your home from your sheetrock, baseboards, door jambs, cabinets, and of course your flooring. However, most people are only concerned about the carpet because it is something that you can see that is wet and most of the time you can't see when cabinets and walls are wet.

One of the first questions usually asked is, “What about my carpet?” With advancements in technology in recent years we are able to dry the carpet and pad in place. It is usually dry before the structure of the house is dry. To do this the water must have come from a fresh water supply line and we need to get to it within 24 hours in most cases. We have been drying the carpet and pad in place without pulling up the carpet at all now since 2003 and still we are one of the only companies in the City of Houston that is able to do this.

There are many advantages to being able to have the carpet and pad dried in place such as:

Less disruption to your life and home after drying is complete.

Cost is less than removing, disposing, and replacing pad.

Moving furniture is minimized.

No damage to carpet like happens when it is pulled up to remove the pad.

No damage to carpet from air movers being put under the carpet to dry it and them causing the carpet to slap against the tack strip and fray the edges.

Since carpet and pad are one of the most porous things in a structure and are generally the first things to get wet, then if you have the right types of air movers and LGR dehumidifiers they should be one of the first things dry in the structure. As a water restoration professional, if I couldn't dry one of the most porous things in a structure how would I be able to dry something not so porous like walls, cabinets, or a wood floor. However, many water restoration companies are still using technology developed in the 1970's and will tell you that it is not possible to dry carpet and pad in place. This is simply not true and could cost you more time and money when using one of those companies.

Kevin Pearson is a Master Cleaning Technician with IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) and has been in the cleaning and restoration industry since 1992. He serves on the Board of Directors of the IICRC and on the Board of Directors of the Professional Cleaning and Restoration Alliance since 2004. For information Call Pearson Carpet Care at 281-548-7200 or visit our website at http://www.pearsoncarpetcare.com.